Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2004-05: Split the season between the Frolunda junior and U-18 teams. In 30 games with the junior team, scored 14 goals with 11 assists and 48 PIM. Played 8 games at the U-18 level, scoring 5 goals with 7 assists and 20 PIM. Selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round (157th overall) in the 2005 NHL entry draft. He also represented Sweden in two U-18 tournaments.

2005-06: Pettersson got off to a fast start for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL after coming over from Sweden before slumping a bit down the stretch as the longer season and increased number of games appeared to take its toll. In 52 regular season games, he scored 21 goals with 29 assists and was a +15. Bounced back somewhat in the playoffs, scoring 5 goals (3 on the power play) with 5 assists in 13 games. Pettersson also played for Team Sweden at the WJC tournament, scoring 3 goals with 2 assists in six games.

2006-07: After suffering a knee injury during the NHL exhibition schedule with the Oilers, Pettersson regained his form and had another solid season for a strong Calgary squad. Playing an abrasive style and consistently producing points, he scored 21 goals with 29 assists with 50 PIM and a plus/minus of +7. He again represented Sweden at the WJC; scoring 1 goal with 1 assist in six games. Pettersson’s production dipped in the playoffs with 1 power play goal and 7 assists in 18 games. The Oilers did not offer him an entry level contract, making him a free agent.

2007-08: Pettersson returned to Sweden and had a solid rookie season for Frolunda in the Swedish Elite League. In a lower line role, he score 6 goals with 7 assists while accumulating 38 PIM with his physical play. His role increased a bit in the playoffs and he responded with 2 goals and 1 assist in 7 games for the Indians.

2008-09: Pettersson saw increased ice time in his second season with Frolunda and his offensive production reflected it. In 53 regular season games he scored 8 goals with 18 assists and was -3 with 67 PIM. Pettersson found his goal scoring touch in the playoffs – scoring 5 goals in 10 games, including a game-winner.

2009-10: Pettersson had his best pro season to date, finishing second on Frolunda in scoring behind one-time Thrasher Tomi Kallio and his 20 goals were tied for fourth in the league. In Frolunda’s seven-game first round playoff loss to Linkoping, Pettersson scored 3 goals with 1 assist but was -4. Played for the bronze medal-winning Team Sweden at the World Championships, scoring 1 goal with 1 assist in seven games. He signed a free agent contract with the Thrashers in June.
2010-11: Petterson had a strong training camp with the Thrashers and was a late cut to be sent to the AHL. The adaptation to the smaller surface and more physical style took some time and the smallish Swede didn’t start scoring in earnest until the second half of the season. Finishing with 11 goals and 21 assists in 67 games, Petterson was unable to force his way back on the Thrashers’ roster.

Talent Analysis

The undersized winger combines excellent speed and technical skills in a very impressive way. Pettersson is strong while entering the offensive zone in full speed and has a very good slap shot, which he does not hesitate to use. In addition to being a quite productive player point wise, he has also proven to be a good leader and willing to play physical. Is a high effort player but his size and strength have to be concerns as his production sometimes wanes against stronger opposition. Can also be overmatched in defending situations at times.

Future

Returning to Sweden, Petterson now wears an “A” for Frolunda and is unlikely to be back in the AHL any time soon.